The Declaration of Independence and Its Irony for Equality - Term Paper Example

 The Declaration of Independence and Its Irony for Equality Abstract This paper will study Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence and its implications on the notion of equality amongst men. It will examine Jefferson’s words amidst the prevailing struggle for equal rights between the white male, the colored race, women, gays and lesbians. Hence, this paper will thus argue that the Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence fails to propagate the notion of genuine equality amongst men within the American society. It will first present key words and lines from the Declaration which enumerates the inalienable rights and liberties of men. Its primary goal is to discuss how the Declaration departs from its true essence based on the undermined state of the minorities within the society throughout history. For research materials, this paper will deal with the American Political Thought by Kenneth M. Dolbeare and Michael S. Cummings as its primary source of information for the Declaration of Independence. It will also use several internet and magazine articles as other sources of information. Keywords: Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence, equality and the rights of men, racial discrimination, women, gays, lesbians The Declaration of Independence and its Irony for Equality The Declaration of Independence portrays literal power in the usage of rhetoric devices that clearly stands out throughout the document. Thomas Jefferson, as its writer, had such proficiency beyond doubt that he was a very learned and skilled person. The rhetoric devices used point at the possibility of a good education and literal skills well developed throughout the writer’s experiences. As the studies of the Declaration of Independence find attest, the document is perhaps one of the most creatively designed state documents. Distinctively enumerated into exceptional divisions, Jefferson demonstrated some rare writing skills that make it one of the best literal state papers. The Declaration of Independence can be divided into an introduction, a clearly developed preamble, a section describing the indictment of the Crown, denunciation of the American oppressors - the British - and a good conclusion (Dolbeare & Cummings, 2009, pp. 49-52). Any paper passing the test of good writing must at least show such organization. With skill in rhetoric and a steadfast soul for nationalism, Jefferson had created some of the most messianic, heroic and memorable lines contained within the Declaration of Independence. Even down to his choice of words, Jefferson managed to immortalize this document throughout the annals of the United States. Usage of terms such as “necessary” creates an impression of strong need for the Americans to take the proposed action, which is well connected to their human nature. The line, “One people” can be translated to send a strong message that the Americans and the British were different people brought together politically and breaking the “political bands” which was a necessity for the survival of the Americans. This choice of words was intended to capture the attention of America’s friends. However, there is one line in the Declaration that gathers much controversy and debate. The usage of the line, "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among them are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” poses an intention that could have well been deeply thought to bring a diverse interpretation by the Americans, the British and possible allies who could assist the Americans in their quest for independence. This line consists of a group of principles pertaining to human rights that are naturally and rhetorically read and interpreted together. The principles brought out include: of equity; inalienability of the rights; examples of the rights; and an implication of the necessity that the government should secure these rights and the right of the people to abolish abusive governments (Dolbeare & Cummings, 2009, pp. 49-52). It can be said that Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence wills not only the freedom but the establishment of an equal footing within the American soil once the colonial powers are put to rest. However, the sound and uplifting message of such line “… that all men are created equal…” is, in one way, problematic up to this day. One might question the innate power of the Declaration and its transcending words when it comes to the genuine propagation of equality and inalienable human rights. In 1781, five years after the document was penned, Jefferson produced a manuscript about his home state, Virginia. In one portion of the document entitled “Notes on the State of Virginia”, the author presents the notion of a race-based slavery in the United States (Sharpley-Whiting, 2007, p. 88). It can be said that the founding father himself was for the advocacy of racial discrimination at this early stage in American history. Although his strong words in the Declaration present that human rights should be well-protected by the government, he himself defeats his own cause by coining the idea of slavery through racial subjugation. From the same document, Jefferson asserts that, “Whether originally a distinct race, or made distinct by time or circumstances, [they] are inferior to the whites in the endowments of both body and mind.” (Sharpley-Whiting, 2007, p. 88). The author made it clear that racial preference to the white people was to be emphasized, whereas the colored race - particularly the black people - was to be made inferior to the former. Jefferson’s idea of a race-based slavery upon the American soil had created a huge crater upon the history of the United States through events such as the Civil War and the African-American Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The Declaration of Independence presents a vague definition of equality amongst men. How equal should the American people be in the ever changing context of time? Jefferson’s Declaration plainly puts it that men should treat others with no biases and vested interests. However, even after the Civil War, the appropriate racial treatment was not given to African Americans. More so, women, gays and lesbians have been subjugated and oppressed due to the preference of white male domination at the dawn of the 19th century. In fact, there is no part in Jefferson’s Declaration which defends the rights and liberties of the mentioned minorities (“Natural Rights and the Declaration of Independence”). By analyzing the line wherein equality is stressed, the author adds that it is the right of men to venture into “… Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” These words contradict what Jefferson had said in the “Notes on the State of Virginia”. More importantly, it is a contrast to the reactionary movements created during the Civil War and other civil rights movements in the 20th century – all of which herald the equal rights of men, women, gays and lesbians. In the 20th century, the struggle for a genuine equality amongst men is still present. Although there had been recent attempts by some American state governments to stay true to the words of the Declaration, other legislative actions still undermined rights of the minorities. An example of this is the amendment to the California State Constitution passed during the November 2008 state elections. The amendment entitled Proposition 8 provides that the only valid and recognized marriage in California was that between a man and a woman (Audi, Scheck & Lawton, 2008). Proposition 8 is a clear statement which hyphens the oppression of the rights and liberties of gay and lesbian American citizens. This, somehow, shows a departure to the true essence and message of the Declaration of Independence. Indeed, Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence fails to propagate the notion of genuine equality amongst men within the American society. The author himself was a proven believer of the race-based slave industry. Also, the presence of racial discrimination throughout American history, the subjugation of women and the continued suppressed rights of gays and lesbians proves that equality upon the American soil is far from being achieved. This is a testament that Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence should not only be kept true in principle but, most significantly, it must also show in one’s action. References Audi, Tamara, Scheck, Justin & Lawton, Christopher. (2008). California Votes for Prop 8. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122586056759900673.html. Dolbeare, Kenneth M. & Cummings, Michael S. (2009). American Political Thought (6th ed.). Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Press. Natural Rights and the Declaration of Independence. Flat Head Reservation. Retrieved from http://www.flatheadreservation.org/images/phs/Natural_Rights_and_Declaration_of_Independence.pdf. Sharpley-Whiting, T. Denean. (2007, July). The Irony of Achievement for Black Women. Ebony, 62 (9), 86-88. Read More